An Overview of Current Concepts Regarding the Pathogenesis and Pathophysiology of Hypertension

Abstract

Although significant strides have been made in understanding the mechanisms of secondary forms of hypertension, the etiology of essential hypertension remains an enigma. The term “essential” is a misnomer since it was originally, and erroneously, believed that elevated blood pressure was “essential” to ensure adequate tissue perfusion in patients with hypertension. Since the initiating cause, or causes, of essential hypertension are not established, a more appropriate designation would be “idiopathic” hypertension. At least 90% of the hypertensive population with both systolic and diastolic pressures elevated have this latter type of hypertension.

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